In HealthJournal@wsj.com, Melinda Beck cites research indicating that the medial prefrontal cortex may serve as a hub where music, memory, and emotions meet. In her article called, A Key for Unlocking Memories, she mentions decades of studies which have demonstrated that music can help premature infants gain weight, autistic children communicate, stroke patients regain speech and mobility, surgical patients control chronic pain. In the same article, Dr. Tomaino, executive director of the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function says “…listening to music goes beyond the entertainment value by helping to stimulate seemingly lost memories and even help restore some lost function… By engaging very basic mechanisms of emotions and listening, music is stimulating dormant areas of the brain that haven’t been accessible due to degenerative disease.” In the hands of a qualified music therapist, music is the tool used to stimulate improved function in many areas and work with clients towards assessed goals.

Nejama Ferstman, www.shirimysong.ca